Now when was ask'd the damsel in homely phrase and plain, If she would have the warrior, she felt a moment's pain; Not that she was unwilling to take the stately one; She blush'd but at the question, as many a maid has done. XXXVI Her father Rudeger told her at once to answer, "Yes," And that she fain would take him. In a trice with tenderness Young Giselher around her, the shrinking and the coy, Lock'd his white hands together; alas! how fleeting was their joy! XXXVII Then spake again the margrave, "Ye rich and noble kings, When you, as is the custom, after your revellings Return by us to Rhineland, I'll give my child to you, To take her in your party." They promis'd so to do. XXXVIII The merry sound of revel was hush'd perforce at last. With mincing step the maidens forth to their chambers pass'd, And eke in rest the strangers slept on till break of day. Then the first meal was ready; none better far'd than they. XXXIX Their fast they scarce had broken, when they at once would start For the realm of Hungary; "You must not thus depart," Said the good host Sir Rudeger; "awhile here tarry yet, Such guests and so beloved but seldom have I met." XL "That must not be," said Dankwart, "your ruin you design, Where can you find provisions, bread as well as wine, If day by day an army is eating up your store?" Soon as the host had heard him, he said, "Talk thus no more. XLI "Nay, thus to refuse me, my dear lords, do not think; For fourteen days together I'll find you meat and drink, You and all those about you, your well-appointed train. Full little of my substance has yet King Etzel ta'en." XLII Whate'er excuse they offer'd, there perforce they stay'd Feasting till the fourth morning; then well their host display'd His far-renowned bounty, and to his parting guests Gave without stint for presents proud steeds and gorgeous vests. XLIII This now could last no longer; thence must they forward fare. Little his custom'd bounty did then the margrave spare. All then was had for asking; that morn denied was none; All kindness and all honor to every guest was done. XLIV And now their noble meiny brought up before the gate Store of good chargers saddled; thither to swell their state Flock'd troops of foreign champions, all bearing shield in hand, All with the Rhenish brethren bound to King Etzel's land. XLV The noble host in plenty proffer'd his gifts to all Before the noble strangers came outside the hall. With open hand liv'd Rudeger, stout heart, and honor clear; He now his lovely daughter had given to Giselher. XLVI